2019 Formula 2 champion Nyck de Vries has played down missing out on a promotion to Formula 1.
The Dutchman won the series in convincing fashion, wrapping it up with title with three races to go in Sochi, but had already opted for a different path by joining Mercedes’ new team in Formula E for Season 6.
In doing so, De Vries is the first F2/GP2 champion since Fabio Leimer in 2013 not to move up to F1, albeit only Charles Leclerc and George Russell made the jump immediately, but he accepts his achievement wasn’t enough by itself.
“I had a personal target. I wanted to win this season to make a point to show the world that we as a team had the capability to win this, but at the same time, I know this world is not so straightforward,” he said via Racer.
“Things change quickly. There’s a lot of things that play a role in actually making it to Formula 1 and not just delivering the job is enough.
“I accept that I’m aware of that. I’m a realistic person and I’ve no hard feelings towards that.”
You might forgive De Vries though for being frustrated at seeing his F2 rival Nicholas Latifi make the step to Williams for 2020, but the 24-year-old says that isn’t the case.
“I’m very happy for Latifi who will get the opportunity, he did a good season too, he finished second, he did a good job, and I think he deserves his chance,” he said graciously.
“I got an opportunity in Formula E with Mercedes-Benz EQ and I’m super happy and grateful with it, and I’ll do everything I can to make it a successful story together.”
